- President DonaldTrump’s executive order mandates the elimination of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The directive aims to shrink federal agencies deemed inefficient or unnecessary.
- Trump criticized Voice of America, established in 1942, as “radical propaganda.”
- Trump’s order will also affect Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia and Cuba’s Radio and Television Martí.
Full Story
President Donald Trump is preparing to eliminate America’s largest federally funded news outlet. An executive order issued Friday, March 14, mandates the disbanding of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, or USAGM, including its individual networks.
Efforts to shrink federal agencies
The directive outlines Trump’s goal to reduce the size of federal agencies deemed unnecessary or inefficient, stating a need to “reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.”
In compliance with the order, a majority of USAGM staff were placed on paid leave as of March 15.
“I am deeply saddened that for the 1st time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced. VOA needs thoughtful reform & we have made progress in that regard.”
Michael Abramowitz, Voice of America Director
What is Voice of America?
This move includes the shutdown of Voice of America (VOA), a news agency established in 1942 during pivotal moments in U.S. history. VOA made its first broadcast during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, joining other global leaders on the airwaves. It has since grown to an audience of over 354 million people worldwide, according to VOA’s website.
VOA has long prided itself on being built on the freedom of the press, establishing a “firewall” in 1994 to protect its editorial independence. This system was designed to guarantee credibility and uphold the highest professional standards for journalists.
Trump said he strongly disagrees with VOA’s operations, labeling the agency’s work as “radical propaganda.” In the aftermath of the executive order, the White House shared its reasoning, including statements from a former VOA correspondent who described the outlet as a rogue operation aligned with mainstream media.
The White House also pointed to specific VOA coverage, including stories on transgender migrants, white privilege and Russia’s alleged influence on Trump, all stories that received significant criticism.
“Agency is not salvageable”
USAGM Senior Advisor Kari Lake, a Trump appointee, echoed the sentiment that VOA is beyond saving. She called it a risk to national security and a waste of taxpayer money. While VOA had talented public servants, she said most were trying to ‘Trump-proof’ the agency.
USAGM also funds Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, which broadcast news to countries under authoritarian regimes. Trump’s order will affect those outlets, as well as Cuba’s Radio and Television Martí, which were established under President Ronald Reagan to promote democracy in Cuba.
USAGM has until Friday, March 21 to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on which of its functions are legally required under federal law. OMB said it will reject any budget requests that conflict with Trump’s executive order unless they are necessary for a pending closure.
